With proper maintenance, furnaces typically last somewhere between 15 and 30 years. Electric furnaces tend to last longer than gas furnaces. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your furnace.
There are a few signs that may indicate that your furnace needs repair. If your furnace no longer provides adequate heat, it likely has one or more underlying issues. Other warning signs include strong odors, loud noises, and higher-than-usual utility bills.
Changing a filter should take only a few minutes unless it’s in a hard-to-access area. Other furnace cleaning tasks depend on the component. Accessing the internal chamber, for example, requires a few more steps—in most cases, in-depth cleaning is best left to a professional.